The medical industry, particularly the area of patient care, is today the fastest growing professional field, generating more than 2.4 million new jobs expected for the next six years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States. United.
These professions are characterized by being a stable, well-paid employment alternative, with ample opportunities for development and professional growth in the short and long term, and also by having access to benefits from retirement savings programs, such as the 401k plan. These types of jobs do not require a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Who Can Start Studies in the area of Health Care?
There are two key factors when choosing a health care job: time and financial resources. Professions such as that of a nursing assistant or a phlebotomist, are characterized by being well-paid jobs, with a tendency to increase salary within the next few years, and with various growth scenarios towards a position of greater responsibility within a health center, hospital, clinic, or medical institution in general.
If you are thinking of making a career change, oriented to a growing industry such as the health sector, or if the medical professions attract your attention; Launching a career as a healthcare professional is an excellent alternative. In this scenario, there are no more than 2 years of study necessary to start a successful vocational path.
Read on to learn more about two professions under the category of health care jobs: Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomist.
What Activities Does a Nursing Assistant Perform?
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) belongs to the family of health professionals, working under the supervision of nurses, within the care and patient care processes.
Among the main activities carried out by a Nursing Assistant are:
- Assistance to patients for grooming and personal hygiene processes.
- Support for patients in nutrition.
- Transfer of patients in a wheelchair.
- Make beds and prepare the optimal space for the patient’s comfort.
- Taking vital signs: pulse, temperature and blood pressure.
- Accompaniment of patients in physical therapy processes or recovery exercises.
- Constant communication with regular nurses about the progress of patients in their charge.
- Communication with relatives of the patient.
Becoming a Nursing Assistant is one of the most popular alternatives, being a fast path to a promising future in the field of healthcare, one of the most respected industries internationally.
A training program for a CNA can be completed in an average period of 6 to 10 weeks, acquiring technical skills to perform this work in a professional manner.
Additionally, for those interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field, certification as a Nursing Assistant may be the first step, and eventually, this would lead to the possibility of becoming a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LPN), or as a Registered Nurse (RN).
If you think you have the aptitude to help people, accompany them, take care of them and make a positive change in their lives, this is a great option, since a nursing assistant adopts the role of direct accompaniment of the patient, and becomes the person who provides support in their physiological and emotional recovery. This can make a huge difference in the well-being of the patient.
What is a day like in a Phlebotomist’s Routine?
A phlebotomist is in charge of extracting and preparing blood samples in order to be used in clinical studies, transfusions, or donations. As healthcare professionals, phlebotomists are trained to prepare the patient, explain the blood draw procedure step by step, take the blood sample, and do the proper recording.
As part of the daily activities of a phlebotomist, the following stand out:
- Preparation of patients for blood collection
- Verify the identity of the patients and ensure that the labeling of the collection containers is correct
- Communicate to the patient the blood extraction process according to medical protocol
- Labeling of samples and transfer to laboratories for clinical analysis
- Support and treatment of nervous patients
- Working together with medical supervisors
The activities and responsibilities of a phlebotomist can vary, including performing blood and urine tests.
Within the job growth scenarios for a phlebotomist is Medical Laboratory Technician, Registered Nurse, or Hospital Supervisor. In addition, they will be able to work in hospitals, clinical laboratories, blood banks, and private health centers.
What is the First Step to Starting My Career as a Health Care Professional?
In International Training Careers you will obtain all the necessary theoretical knowledge, and the best training to put into practice what you have learned in formal workspaces.
Learn about the courses and benefits that International Training Careers has for you, contacting a career advisor who will guide you in this decision that can change your life and improve your family, professional and financial dynamics.
See more: How to become a home health aide.
